Posted by Twinleaf on July 9, 2012, at 16:37:28
Even though I have been in remission for several years, my very up-to-date psychopharmacologist, who administers maintenance rTMS, suggested that I have genetic testing for gene variants associated with anxiety and depression. I gave a saliva sample, and the testing was covered almost completely by my insurance.
I have a variant from both parents which is associated with a poor response to SSRIs. I took them in large doses for about 8 years, and absolutely hated them!
I have a common variant which is weakly associated with bipolar disorder. I don't have that diagnosis, but I do respond well to medications like lithium and atypical antipsychotics.
I also have the Val/Val variation of COMT, which is associated with hypodopaminergic states in the prefrontal cortex. People with this are known to respond well to rTMS, as I do. Stimulants can help, too, although I have not tried any.
The testing is just in its infancy, and is sure to get more complex and helpful, but I feel I am on much more solid ground, and can make a much better treatment plan with my pdoc in case I relapse. And I have to emphasize how important good therapy has been , because of the strong elements of childhood trauma which I have.
So far, only two pdoc's in my city are known to do this, but...brave new world!
poster:Twinleaf
thread:1021032
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120630/msgs/1021032.html